Live Design International (LDI) was founded in 1988 to help live design professionals learn and share about design, technology and production. Today, LDI's annual conference and trade show hosts over 14,000 production professionals from a vast range of international live and broadcast venues.
LDI 2019 features attendees and presenters from over 80 countries, banding together to learn about new technologies, engage with like-minded professionals and spark creative ideas. This year's conference takes place November 18–24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
LDI 2019 offers special events, two awards shows, an exhibit hall and dozens of educational and professional development sessions for attendees.
LDI 2019: Professional Development
Running daily from Monday, November 19, through Sunday, November 24, LDI 2019 offers over a hundred sessions, covering a vast range of topics in lighting design and related fields.
Want to learn how to use a particular type of software or other tech tool more effectively? Check out the many training sessions available at LDI 2019 on Monday and Tuesday. Take a backstage tour of Las Vegas on Tuesday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m. to see various systems and tools in action, and spend the afternoon brushing up on laser operator safety.
Wednesday's sessions get back to the basics, offering a mix of 101-level courses for professionals and trainings on various topics. There's another backstage session at 10:00 a.m. this day, allowing more flexible scheduling.
On Thursday, November 21, attend a special two-part session on integrated testing of DMX512 and RDM products, or challenge yourself to learn more about programming, explore projection mapping or understand the ins and outs of rigging.
Friday's sessions focus heavily on lighting, but there are also options available for exploring AutoCAD use, VR and AR, troubleshooting live event systems and more. At noon, attendees can join a club design session, which includes an optional venue tour. Or stick closer to home and catch a live presentation from Broadway lighting designer Jen Schriever.
Visit more Vegas venues for inspiration on Saturday, or stay on site and explore topics like color, virtual production workflows and e-sports venue design. Projection designer Elaine McCarthy brings her 16 years of experience on the Broadway show Wicked to a session at 3:30 p.m. in which she discusses how to stay current in the world of video and digital media.
On Sunday, November 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendees can sign up with an additional fee for a personalized tour of the LDI show floor with Bill and Pat Digneit, owners of production company Double Trouble. Meet representatives from leading companies, network with fellow professionals and get hands-on education on some of the most exciting technological tools available.
LDI 2019: KOI and LDI Awards
On Friday, November 22, LDI 2019 hosts the Knight of Illumination (KOI) awards for lighting design. KOI judging is carried out by three panels of industry experts, each focusing on a particular area.
This year's chair of the concert touring and events judging panel is John Featherstone, partner and principal of Lightswitch. Leading the theatre judging panel is Lauren Warnecke, dance critic for the Chicago Tribune and founder and editor in chief of Art Intercepts. Finally, chairing the judges' panel for live broadcast nominees is Emmy award-winning lighting designer Jeff Ravitz.
On Saturday, November 23, at 5:00 p.m., LDI awards its picks for the best products on the market today. Attend the award ceremony to see who takes home top honors for the best in five categories: small booth design, large booth design, creative use of light, product presentation and sustainability.
Additionally, LDI will be presenting several awards for the best products making their debut. Categories for product awards include sound, widget, special effects, staging and rigging, projection and lighting.
LDI 2019: Special Events
LDI 2019 features a variety of special events to enhance attendees' experience. With special events geared toward early risers and night owls, students and established professionals, there's a little something extra for everyone.
New Technology Breakfasts
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, grab your morning coffee and head to the show floor for a sneak peek at cutting-edge technologies. Friday's session features work on lighting and projection, while Saturday includes audio, staging and rigging and a session on special effects and lasers. Entry is included with your LDI 2019 badge.
Booth Crawl and Scavenger Hunt
If you're seeking to indulge your competitive side at LDI 2019, check out the Booth Crawl and Scavenger Hunt on Friday, November 22, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the LDI Exhibit Hall Floor. Everyone with an LDI 2019 badge is invited to attend.
Prizes include cash cards, LDI 2020 conference passes, and more. Enhance the experience with free drinks, and share your victories on the #LDI2019 #BoothCrawl hashtags.
Pop Up MFA Recruiting with URTA
Thinking about getting your master's degree in lighting design? Take your portfolio for a test run during this University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) pop-up session on Sunday, November 24.
During the session, attendees can meet and interview lighting design faculty from several different MFA programs nationwide. Register in advance to reserve your spot and receive a free LDI 2019 Exhibit Hall badge.
Portfolio and Website Review: Lighting and Projection
Students, young professionals and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend the 10th annual LDI 2019 portfolio and website review. This yea's session focuses on lighting and projection and takes place on Saturday, November 23.
Bring your portfolio or website and receive one on one feedback from top lighting design professionals, including UNLV professor of lighting design Brackley Frayer and Deanna Fitzgerald from the University of Arizona.
Attendees receive a free floor pass to LDI 2019. Sign up online to reserve your spot, or email Deanna Fitzgerald for more information.
Lumen Brothers Live @LDI: Light Talk
The Light Talk podcast features four professional lighting designers and educators talking about the latest topics and advice in the world of lighting design.
On Saturday, November 23, at 4:30 p.m., Light Talk goes live at LDI 2019 with a live taping and audience questions. Join hosts Steve Woods, Stan Kaye, David Jacques and Anne McMills for an event that's as fun as it is informative.
LiveX Symposium
Can't get enough of Experiential Immersive Design? LDI teams up with XLIVE to offer a full-day symposium on the topic.
Reserve your time on Wednesday, November 20, to visit the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and meet agencies, producers and designers in experiential immersive design. Attend panels and talks and take a field trip to an immersive experience site in Las Vegas.
Separate registration is required for the LiveX Symposium, so keep an eye on the LDI 2019 website for more information.
LDI 2019: Exhibits
The Exhibit Hall's flexible hours and vast offerings make it the perfect place to ask specific questions, connect directly to the professionals that interest you and gather inspiration. LDI 2019's exhibit hall dates and hours are:
- Friday, November 22: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 23: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, November 24: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On Friday and Saturday, LDI will also host live outside demos while the exhibit hall is open. It's a great chance to see new technologies and applications in action.
Finally, if you're interested in projection mapping, don't miss Booth #1948. Arista will be exhibiting a projection mapping turnkey system. This system has created some incredible effects for clients and venues in the past, and we're excited to share it with everyone at LDI 2019. Stop by, say hello, ask questions and share ideas.
Images by: Piotr Piatrouski/©123RF.com, Weerayut Ranmai/©123RF.com, kasto/©123RF.com
